• Grand Cathedrals
  Europe is known for its elaborate cathedrals. Even if you are not an architecture buff you will love the extraordinary artwork and carvings that abound on these buildings. There is no shortage of cathedrals to visit in just about every country in Europe.
• Gardens
  Most cities have public gardens that you can visit. Stop by a local market and pick up some lunch and bring it to the garden for a picnic.
• Beaches
  There are a number of free beaches in Europe. Just keep in mind that some of them are going to be clothing optional.
• Markets
  Okay, the purpose of a market is to sell you something but you do not have to buy anything. Free public markets are a great way to get a feel for the local community. Sometimes its fun just to browse and maybe sample.
• Breweries & Wineries
  That’s right, you can get free alcohol. Many breweries and wineries will give free tours with free samples of their products.
• Museums
  Many museums like those in Britain are free to visit.
• Festivals
  This is scheduling dependent of course. Try to plan your trip to different European cities by the festivals that may be occurring at the time. There is no better way to immerse yourself in a countries culture.

Royal Hideaway Playacar

Th is adult only resort is offering an incredible deal of “every other night free”. Book 6 nights and only pay for 3. To take advantage of this deal you must book your vacation by November 10th and travel by December 22nd.

1-800-999-9182

Real Brand Resorts

They are cutting 30 percent off of room rates on stays from December 24th to December 23rd of next year if you book by November 15th. Some of the properties are even allowing kids to stay and eat for free.

1-800-760-0944

Casa Magna Marriot Puerto Vallarta

Rates are now starting at only $179 on December 19th to 22nd if you book by November 15th. Kids under 12 eat free and spa treatments are buy one get one free.

1-888-236-2427

Marriott Hotels

Offering discounts on their “Experience Mexico Package”

At Marriott and JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
• 25 percent discount off leisure rate
• Two complimentary margaritas (per stay)
• Chips/salsa/guacamole (per stay)
• Upgrades where available based on hotels
• Recipe souvenir (from Mexican chefs)

At Courtyard and Fairfield Inn by Marriott
• 25 percent discount off leisure rate
• Two complimentary margaritas (per stay)
• Chips/salsa (per stay)
• Recipe souvenir (from Mexican Chefs)

1-888-236-2427

Who shouldn’t travel?

As long as you take the proper precautions most people are okay to travel during the flu season. The exception is those who are particularly at risk of developing complications from contracting the flu. This includes children under five, pregnant women, adults over the age of 65 and those with chronic health conditions. The CDC recommends that these people try to postpone their travels if possible.

What precautions should I take?

The absolute most important thing that you can do to protect yourself from the flu is to wash your hands often with a good antibacterial soap. Sanitizing wipes are also a good idea. Use them to clean and sanitize anything that you must use that is used by the general public like table trays. Also try to avoid touching your eyes, your mouth or your nose with your hands as this would give a virus an easy entry point into your body. To protect others be sure to cough and sneeze into a disposable tissue.

Who is screening travelers?

As of the writing of this article the United States is not screening travelers for the flu. If this is a concern you should check with the countries where you will be traveling to see if they are screening. People have been detained in the past for showing signs of flu or for merely being on a plane where there was a suspicion of a flu case.

1. Fisherman’s Wharf (San Francisco, California)
   Millions of people flock to this attraction each and every year. The wharf features many restaurants, souvenir stores, street vendors and of course a fishing pier. It is a good way to spend an afternoon or at least a few hours. Some people say it is a tourist trap but it is worth checking out. Make sure that you take the time to take one of the chartered sail boat rides to get the full experience.
2. Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, Florida)
   Home to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Disney World is a place that everyone must see. And don’t think that you have to have children to enjoy it. It will turn anyone into a kid again and caters to its adult visitors as much as its child ones.
3. The Las Vegas Strip (Las Vegas, Nevada)
   Sin City is for more than just sinners. The “Neon Trail” as it is called is even listed as part of the government’s National Scenic Byways Program. It is a sight to behold and anyone who experiences it will be amazed by the beauty of this oh so unnatural wonder.
4. Niagra Falls (Niagra Falls, New York)
   The falls have been a famous attraction for centuries now. See the raging waters from many different locations including hiking trails and many different observation towers. We just wouldn’t recommend the view from a barrel.
5. Temple Square (Salt Lake City, Utah)
   Temple Square is not just for Mormons. Of course the church is based there but the city is also known for its display of holiday lights. This display has made Temple Square the number one attraction in Utah.

Emergency Medical Care

Perhaps the biggest benefit to a tourist is medical care. It will cover the cost of emergency medical care which can add up in a hurry. It many cases it can also cover the cost of transporting you to a care facility and even transporting you home if you need to stay in the hospital for an extended time.

Canceled Trip Insurance

Travel insurance can cover the costs of having to miss your trip or having to leave your trip early due to an unexpected illness of you or a close family member. This can include lost deposits, pre-paid transportation costs, etc.

Personal Liability Protection

If you injure someone or their property while on vacation travel insurance can cover your expenses. It can also cover your costs should you be involved in litigation while on your vacation.

Personal Property Protection

What happens if you lose your golf clubs or that special ring while on vacation? Well if you have travel insurance you will be reimbursed for it. It also covers lost or stolen cash.

These are merely a few of the benefits of travel insurance. For a full list of the advantages of being covered contact your insurance broker.

Selvatica Canopy Expedition

What could be better than swinging from the trees in a Mexican jungle. On this tour you will be harnessed up and will ride zip lines from tree to tree. It is an experience that is sure to get your heart racing. Besides the canopy tour, you will also get to ride dune buggies through mud holes and finally take a dip in a cool and refreshing cenote.

Scuba Cancun

Are you a professional or amateur scuba diver? If so, be sure to take advantage of Scuba Cancun. See eels, lobster, squid, rockfish and other native ocean life up close and personal. It is one of the best ways to spend your time and get to know the Cancun habitat. Not an experienced diver? No problem, take the opportunity to take an entry level scuba class.

Riviera Cancun Golf

This golf course opened in 2008 and has gained popularity quickly. Play a round of golf on plush greens with incredible ocean views. Its a challenging course but not frustrating. The staff will see to your every need and make sure that you go home happy. If you are a golfer, this is a must do.

Jeep Adventures

Explore Mexico in style in your own air conditioned Jeep.  Tour historical ruins, swim in a cenote, visit beaches and even tour a Mexican zoo. Experienced tour guides will make sure that you have both an educational and an entertaining trip.  You will be glad you took the opportunity to take a Jeep tour, especially if you have children.

Interactive Aquarium

This is a great experience where you get the chance to pet dolphins, touch sea urchins and even feed sharks. Bring your camera and take pictures of your kids having the time of their lives. Unlike many other aquariums this one allows you to take your own camera instead of having to buy expensive photos from them. A real money save which makes this aquarium a must see deal.

Planning a trip to Dallas? Well, you had better plan on a long trip if you want to hit all of the attractions in this city. Here are some of the highlights and the must see destinations in Dallas, TX.

State Fair Of Texas
The State Fair Of Texas is the largest state fair in the United States. It is held in September starting the last Friday of the month and lasting for 24 days thereafter. The location of the fair is the historic Fair Park area where it has been held since 1886. The mascot and spokesman and of the fair is Big Tex, a giant 52 foot tall cowboy who speaks the fair announcement via his hinged jaw. Big Tex has been a part of the fair since 1952. If you will be in Dallas during fair season you must attend and be sure to sample the newest fried food of the season. Every year it is something new. Some past treats include fried Twinkies, fried Oreos and even fried butter. The fairs information line is 214-565-9931.

Dallas Zoo
With over 95 acres of animals and habitat to explore the Dallas Zoo gives tourists of all ages something to enjoy. Founded in 1888 it was the first zoological park in the Southwest. Some notable attractions in the zoo include the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, the Wilds Of Africa exhibit and the Gorilla Conservation Research Center. As of the writing of this article the price of admission to the zoo was $12.00 for adults and $9.00 for seniors and children over 3 making it a steal of a deal for an all day attraction.Contact the Dallas Zoo at (214) 670-5656 for more information.

Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum is a 66 acre garden located in East Dallas near White Rock Lake. It is home to beautifully manicured lawns, flowers and gardens. It is a great attraction to go to when you want to spend a relaxing afternoon with your family. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch or dine at one of the two restaurants located in the Arboretum. Home to many rare and unique plants it is the perfect place for nature lovers. Admission at the time of the writing of this article was only $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7 for children over 3. For more information contact the Dallas Arboretum at (214) 515-6500.

Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium was founded in an old warehouse near the historic Dallas area known as the West End District. It opened its doors in 1992  and has since become the home to unique flora and fauna from five different continents, 14 different countries and three oceans as well as a number of seas and rivers. Explore plants and animals from around the world and then dine at one of the three different restaurants located in the Aquarium. Admission to the aquarium as of the writing of this article was $18.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors and $10.95 for children. You can contact the Dallas World Aquarium at 214-720-2224 for more information.

The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
This symphony center opened its doors in September of 1989. Located in the Downtown Dallas Arts District, it is home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Turtle Creek Chorale, The Dallas Wind Symphony and The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. The building was designed by renowned architect I.M Pei who gave the building outstanding acoustics as well as an elegant form. Free tours of the building are gien year round but for the true experience you must attend a concert. For information on tickets and events call the symphony center at 214.670.3600.

General Information:
Puerto Vallarta is a city located in Mexico in the state of Jalisco. It is the fifth largest city in the state with a population of over 178,000. It was named after Ignacio Vallarta who was a former governor of the state of Jalisco. The city is often referred to as simply Vallart pronounced “vie-arta”.

Climate:
Puerto Vallarta has a tropical climate with intense heat and humidity during the hot summer months of July through September. It has an average high temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a definite wet and dry season with monsoon like rains occurring in the Rainy season of July through September. The rains mainly occur in the evening however with pleasant daytime weather, a plus for anyone who loves rainstorms but wants to have fun in the sun during the day.

Economy:
Puerto Vallarta is definitely a tourist town with over 50 percent of the work force being employed in the tourist trade. This dependence on tourism insures that the majority of the city is very tourist friendly. Tourism employment includes things like transportation, hotels, entertainment, restaurants, etc. Besides tourism other major industries include agriculture, livestock and a thriving construction trade which must exist to support the cities massive growth.

Tourism History:
There are many different factors which made Puerto Vallarta a major tourist destination. First there was the filming of the movie The Night Of The Iguana in 1963. This gave the city some press and made it known to the American public. Realizing the potential of Puerto Vallarta, the Mexican government would then invest money to improve the cities public transportation system. They built roads, highways and a major airport. Most of the early tourist boom was attributed to Mexican tourism who now found the city easily accessible by land. After Nixon visited the city in 1970 to sign a treaty it became clear that the city was easily accessible and it became visible as a legitimate travel destination. American and foreign tourism began coming into the city and once the Peso became devalued in the 1980’s it became a major vacation deal. This would lead to rapid growth. The population of Puerto Vallarta would go from 15,000 in 1960 to 35,000 in 1970 to 57,000 in 1980 and all the way to 185,000 in the year 2000. Quite a large increase in a short time.

Transportation:
Most of the tourism into Puerto Vallarta comes in through Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport. It is named after President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz. The airport handled over 2.8 million travelers in 2006 and in the busy season will see over 300,000 in one month alone. Some of the airlines flyin out of the airport include Aerocalifornia, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Continental, Northwest Airlines, Mexicana and US Airways.
Besides the airport the city is served by national bus lines connecting it to Guadalajara, Mazatlan, Manzanillo and many other destinations. It is also served by a large network of taxis. The taxi rates are set by an agreement between the taxi union and the city. Rates are based on set fees per zone instead of by meters.

1. Pick an agent who specializes in cruises.
   When using a travel agent, choose one that specializes in cruises. Experience does count and an experienced agent will know how to get a good price and will have connections to get deals on cruises. Since that is all they sell, they will also have the buying power to get the best rate.
2. Book Early
   Some of the best deals can be had by booking early. You can get early bird discounts by booking way in advance and  there are other advantages as well. You get your choice of cabins, free upgrades and even ship credits.
3. Book Late
   OK, we just said to book early but if you are not picky you can get a last minute deal by booking late. Cruise companies do not want rooms to go to waste and if you can take off in a hurry you can get a good deal on your cruise. You just can’t be too picky about the room or the destination.
4. Take A Cruise During The Off Season
   Save money by taking a cruise during off peak months. You can get a cruise for a fraction of the rate of peak season costs.
5. Don’t Waste Money On Your Room
   Those interior rooms are quite the deal compared to the rooms with a view. You are not going to spend too much time in your room anyway so save your money on expensive rooms.

Cancun
Certainly the most popular beach destination in Mexico, Cancun offers visitors a beautiful strip of white sand with sparkling blue waters. It is located on the tip of the Yucatan peninsula and if you want a destination where you can relax on the beach and be served Cancun is for you.

Puerto Vallarta
Home to over 26 miles of beaches Vallarta blends traditional culture with beach resort living. Offering everything from Whale watching to scuba diving it is a great place to go for adventure seekers. Go and explore the jungles in the morning, relax on the beach in the afternoon and have a moonlight dinner on the waters. Vallarta has something for everyone.

Ixtapa
Ixtapa located 5 kilometers from Zihuatanejo gives visitors all of the trappings of a traditional Mexican resort with peace and quiet. If you want to experience the natural beauty of Mexico away from the party scene, this is the place for you.

Puerto Escondido
If you are traveling on a budget this just might be the beach for you. Puerto Escondido is located 200 miles south of Acapulco and is off the beaten path. It offers visitors affordable accommodations as well as reasonably priced dining and entertainment options. Don’t think that you will be sacrificing anything here though. It has all the amenities of the more established resort towns.

Of course you have many more options from which to choose from in Mexico. This should get you started and get you thinking though. Whichever beach you choose though, you can not go wrong with a Mexican beach vacation.